Let’s Get Moving with Steps4Health
Hundreds of people across Leicestershire and Rutland are taking steps towards improving their physical and overall health thanks to a brand new, first-of-its-kind health app. Steps4Health is a web-based app developed by international experts from the Leicester Lifestyle and Health Research Group (LLHRG), at the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC).
Researchers have now partnered with Active Together to help even more people get moving, including those living with long-term health conditions.
Steps4Health is unique to most other health apps on the market. It monitors the users' 24-hour physical activity behaviours focusing on the 5 S’s: Sitting, Stepping, Sweating, Strengthening and Sleeping. The app will generate a personalised walking programme, offering users continual feedback.
Claire Stanley, who lives in Countesthorpe, walks regularly. Claire has been using Steps4Health for three months. She said: “I find walking clears my head and keeps me fit. Steps4Health helps me to track my physical activity throughout the week and keeps me motivated with challenges. It is very easy to use, and the expert advice and exercise videos are invaluable and adaptable to all abilities.”
Steps4Health has been designed to suit individual mobility and ability levels. Users benefit from being able to access a vast catalogue of pre-recorded activity sessions on demand. Users can take advantage of the app’s ‘ask the expert’ function, member chat forums and interactive educational sessions to maintain motivation and adherence.
Dr Louisa Herring, Lead Research Associate for Physical Activity, Research and Implementation for the LDC, said: “It is important when talking about our activity levels and health to look at our behaviours over the whole day, the full 24 hours. We spend time sitting, sleeping, walking, and exercising. Simple small changes to these physical behaviours can make a big difference to our long-term health.
“Guidelines show that prolonged sitting should be broken up by walking around or doing simple resistance exercises every 30 minutes. As little as 10 minutes of brisk walking daily can increase life expectancy by several years.”
Andrew Harris, Development Manager from Active Together, adds: “Steps4Health is a pioneering platform here to support Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland residents to get and remain active. It’s like having a fully funded Personal Trainer (PT) in your pocket.”
Access to Steps4Health has been fully funded until 31 March 2024 for residents in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. Use the unique code: Let’s Get Moving when prompted on question 4. https://forms.office.com/e/jqDwdWTtLh